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Biography For William Anderson

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Author:
Bill Hart

Background:

William Anderson was born on August 20, 1868 in Borgvik, Sweden to Andreas and Britta (Johnson) Anderson.  He came to Granite Heights, Wisconsin in 1891.  In 1910 he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Magnuson at Heights.  They had two children.

Accomplishments:

At Granite Heights, located seven miles north of Wausau along the Wisconsin River, partners Charles Johnson and Gustave and William Anderson, in 1895, started their granite business. Their first venture was in the making of "Pavers" (paving bricks), to create a vitally needed solid foundation for the many dirt streets on roads of that era. Their pavers still remain in the old “Wagon Yard” of Milwaukee’s Pabst Brewery property.

They soon turned to granite monuments and their reputation as producers of one of finest red granite began to spread nationwide, then worldwide.

Their business grew tremendously as their products became one of the most important articles of export from Marathon County. Their quarry furnished the finest granite found anywhere and their monuments were in demand in every state of the country. In 1971, Anderson Brothers & Johnson Company granite, “Wisconsin Ruby Red Granite,” became the official State Rock of Wisconsin.

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Other Information

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Date of Birth: 1868-8-20

Place of Birth: Sweden

Date of Death: 1920-3-22

Place of Burial: Pine Grove Cemetery Wausau, WI

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